The Usability of Augmented Reality in Open and Distance Learning Systems: A Qualitative Delphi Study

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to determine the usability of augmented reality in open and distance learning environments in accordance with universal design principles, and to make predictions for the future by gathering expert opinions on this subject using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique was applied to 14 expert participants for 3 rounds as the primary data collection tool with open ended questions based on the theoretical framework. Structured interview questions were used as a secondary data collection tool and were applied during an academic exchange in China. In the Delphi technique used as the primary data collection tool, 92 themes were evaluated by experts and accepted as usability principles by end of this research. Therefore, 92 themes under 21 titles were presented for the use of augmented reality within the framework of universal design principles in open and distance learning. This research may be the first unique study on the usability of augmented reality not just as the convergence of this technology with open and distance learning environments but also incorporating the learning and communication dimensions of this convergence, thereby contributing to the literature of the field. It is imperative to determine the usability of augmented reality in open and distance learning, along with the “how” of this use in application. In this regard, the findings of this study are significant in shedding light to the enrichment, diversification and increased interaction of open and distance learning environments in accordance with universal design principles, bringing a new perspective to how a different technology convergence may be conducted, providing further accessibility.

Educational Opportunities and Challenges in Augmented Reality: Featuring Implementations in Physics Education

“…The role of the teacher is to facilitate and be the stimulus for discussion. The gap between formal and informal learning can be bridged using AR in a 'flipped classroom', open, and distance learning approach [101]. These areas of development are not limited to the educational fields described in the articles reviewed.…”

Augmented Reality in Technology-Enhanced Learning: Systematic Review 2011-2021

“…[ [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22], [54][55][56][57], 95 Studies that show how AR is used in the learning system.…”

“…Among the four types of learning strategies, interactive learning is the most reported in this meta-analysis review. AR also has great potentials in open and distance learning as discussed by Saykili and Altınpulluk in [22,57]. Researchers have investigated the use of AR in the learning system of different countries such as India [91], Australia [96], Bangladesh [97], USA and Kuwait [98].…”

A critical outlook at augmented reality and its adoption in education

“…Papers with research questions that investigate the effect of AR on learning outcomes (N=123) [43][44][45][46][47]49,50,55,56,58,59,61,63,65, Papers with research questions that investigate the functionality of AR technology and its effectiveness (N=36) [47,48,51,52,57,62,108,123,133,148,150,[155][156][157]160,162,170,[176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192][193]…”